November 12, 2007

USDA holds enough authority to conduct recalls

The USDA affirmed that it holds enough authority to execute all meat recalls in the market.

Regulating 20 percent of the food supply including meat and poultry, USDA has recalled a string of items in the recent months to combat infected meat. Items that are not under the jurisdiction of USDA are covered by FDA.

USDA undersecretary, Richard Raymond said the agency has  handled the job of recalls well. Currently, the industry initiates and volunteers recalls. Raymond also pointed out that any move by lawmakers to make recalls mandatory would be unnecessary  given the current process.